NASHVILLE, Tenn.—April 24th, 2012—This year’s Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards proved quite memorable for Christian music mainstay Jason Crabb. With eight nominations, making him the leading artist nominee for this year’s awards, Crabb took home two—Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. This marks the first wins in each of those categories for this musically diverse artist.

Jason Crabb receives the Dove Award for Artist of the Year from Kirk Franklin and Natalie Grant

“Wow, what a night!” exclaimed Crabb following the show. “It’s an honor to win any DOVE, but I didn’t expect to win these. I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name. I was enjoying great performances from some amazing artists who have made big impacts on our industry and on the world. The night had been a blast. Then to be recognized in this way…it is humbling. It makes you want to try harder, to make a difference, to grow. It challenges you. I am grateful…and humbled, and I want to congratulate the other winners. There is nothing like seeing smiles on the faces of my peers.”

Crabb closed the show with a riveting performance of his nominated song “I Saw the Light,” joined by other artists to end the night. Crabb was also featured on the evening’s special tribute to the legendary Russ Taff. Crabb, who opened the number with the Taff hit “Ain’t No Grave,” joined Donnie McClurkin and Wess Morgan to pay tribute to the impact and influence of Taff and his legacy as an artist. Taff joined the three men at the end of “We Will Stand” to complete the performance.

Crabb’s eight nominations included: Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Country Recorded Song of the Year (“Why Me”), Southern Gospel Song of the Year (“If There Ever Was a Time,” Crabb Family), Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“I Saw the Light”), Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (“I’d Rather Have Jesus”), Southern Gospel Album of the Year (The Song Lives On) (Gaither Music Group) and Long Form Music Video of the Year (The Song Lives On) (Gaither Music Group).

Crabb’s current southern Gospel radio hit “Who Am I,” written by Rusty Goodman and also featured on his nominated release The Song Lives On, was also nominated in the Song of the Year category for this year’s awards.

About Jason CrabbKnown as one of the most respected and diverse vocalists in Christian music, Jason’s soulful, heartfelt vocals have made him a critics’ pick and a fan favorite on stages ranging from “The Grand Ole Opry” and the Brooklyn Tabernacle to the Gaither Homecoming arena platforms. With a string of number one hits and chart-topping singles, a tour schedule of over 200 dates annually, ongoing tv appearances, a book on the shelves and recent acclaimed recording, this vocal powerhouse’s talent is topped only by his genuine personality and concern for others.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — April 25, 2012 — Gospel music favorites The Isaacs took home the award for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year at this year’s Gospel Music Association (GMA) DOVE Awards. Honored for their rendition of “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing,” The Isaacs acknowledged the influence and legacy of the song’s writer, the late Dottie Rambo.

“We learned this song in order to sing it at Dottie’s memorial service and ‘Homegoing,’” recalled Lily Isaacs. “It quickly became a favorite of ours, and we wanted to record it. Dottie left us with so many musical treasures, and it is a privilege to record her work.”

“This was a special honor for us,” stated Ben Isaacs. “Anytime your peers and those making music around you week in and week out choose to recognize something you have done is a special moment. We appreciate the support of the voters and of everyone at the show who welcomed us with open arms.”

Those open arms turned into a standing ovation from an excited audience as The Isaacs made their debut performance on the awards, performing “Walk On,” a song from their DOVE Award-winning release Big Sky (Gaither Music Group). Complete with banjo, standup bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and cajon, The Isaacs belted out the acoustic number, combined with moments that highlighted their hair-raising acapella strains.

The Isaacs perform "Walk On" to a standing ovation at the 2012 Dove Awards

Photo by Aaron Crisler / The Judy Nelon Group

In addition to Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year, the GRAMMY-nominated Isaacs received nominations for Group of the Year and Artist of the Year. The group is currently enjoying a Top 10 single, the title cut from the release Why Can’t We (Gaither Music Group), which also contains the number one country hit by Martina McBride “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” The song was written by Isaacs’ members Jimmy Yeary and Sonya Isaacs Yeary along with Ben Hayslip as a tribute to Lily Isaacs’ battle and victory over breast cancer. Why Can’t We, produced by Ben Isaacs, showcases the family’s moving harmonies, bluegrass-infused melodies and skilled musicianship.

About The IsaacsThe Isaacs is a multi-award-winning family group that blends tight harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation, winning the praise of critics and the loyalty of audiences all over the world. The Isaacs, known for their unmistakable harmonies, perform frequently at The Grand Ole Opry and are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming video and concert series. The group has performed with legendary performers such as Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Paul Simon, Vince Gill, Randy Owen, Trisha Yearwood, Ralph Stanley, Mark Lowry and many more.